Music
The King Blues are back and it’s great news for British punk
Ticketmaster Blog Editor, Jessica Bridgeman, tells us why the return of The King Blues (and their upcoming tour with Enter Shikari and The Wonder Years) is something to celebrate.
At a time when the music industry has felt the impact of the world around it more than ever, the return of The King Blues doesn’t feel like a reunion for reunions sake.
There’s no escaping the nervousness, trembles and unexplainable knock-on effect the horrific events in Paris have had the world over, and it requires the kind of unity spurred on by bands like The King Blues to reinspire confidence and spirit in the live music scene. It’s not a solution by any means, but in my opinion, it’s a helping hand.
For many, music is an escape. Be it a simple relief from everyday life or the channel through which we release our rawest emotions; I’d argue that nowhere is this sense of escapism felt more genuinely than at a punk show. Punk can be defined in various forms, of course, but whatever you consider it to be, there’s no denying that The King Blues have long been one of the most punk examples of modern British music. Both in spirit and talent, the London mob’s particular blend of folk and ska fast became the soundtrack to challenge ideals and issues of a generation that felt misrepresented and, yes, misunderstood. Sure, it reads like the plot for a money-spinning tale of youth in revolt, but for those who felt more informed by The King Blues’ smart lyricism and no-fear approach to conforming circa 2004, their reunion couldn’t have come soon enough.
In February 2016, The King Blues join Enter Shikari and The Wonder Years on tour across the UK. They’ll play seven huge shows including Nottingham’s Capital FM Arena, Cardiff Motopoint Arena and London’s Alexandra Palace.
The three bands have few genre ties. The Wonder Years are unmatchable leaders in an oversaturated pop-punk scene, while Enter Shikari are the St Albans professors of a modern rock sound that few have managed to emulate. But as Enter Shikari frontman, Rou Reynolds, puts it so perfectly: “Here’s three bands who – even though they approach it from different directions – create music that stems from punk; and carry its spirit, its invigorating power, and its willingness to engage with issues both personal and social.”
Adding: “The King Blues are such an important British band. With music influenced by many different genres and cultures, and lyrics that represent and reinforce the people. Its great to have them back.”
Welcome back, The King Blues.
Enter Shikari tour the UK with The Wonder Years and The King Blues between 18 – 27 February 2016 – get tickets.
